Gathering of the Storm: the Welcome
Before the Ungin itself starts the Guardians of Man often greet visitors from the docks of Douglas, directing them up to Snaefell but allowing them to find their way (or not) to the peak.Assorted members of the People; Iminir and Ghost Wolves who are being evaluated for membership of the tribe, and those Wolf-blooded who serve Skolis-Ur through the Storm Lords as best they might, gather and mingle. At this stage there is often some tension, especially amongst rivals and strangers.
Two of the Guardians of Man, traditionally wolf-blooded, are granted the title Steward and Lady; theirs is the authority to organise anything which is needed for the period of the gather. They may also make any judgements of disputes - but few Iminir would appear so weak as to bring their wrong before one not of the People.
A horn is sounded and the Steward will lead the assembled to "beat the bounds". All gathered mark the edge of the area where the Ungin will be held with sticks (called rods) of pealed willow. Once the edge has been marked the rods are placed along it to make a temporary but visible boundary.
Again a horn is sounded to draw people's attention and a formal greeting is given; firstly the Steward and the Lady, then any Iminir who are local to the area, then others. Where it isn't clear who should be introduced first either a challenge (normally of will) is given, or the one who is marked as being most Honourable would be expected to make the decision to speak or not. There is no requirement to introduce oneself and many Ghost Wolves will not do so; its rare indeed for any other Wolf-bloods to do so.
Next the Steward will offer a welcome to those who have travelled and will carry a bowl of water and towel to wash the hands of the People (Iminir only).
Finally the Lady offers a drink from a ritual vessel, normally an ornate drinking horn. Any who wish it may drink from the vessel; pledging that they will do no harm to any other assembled other than in defence of themselves or another. The liquid may be wine, ale, mead, spring water, melted snow, a mild acid, poison, sea water or anything else which is deemed suitable by the Lady. The Iminir are used to whatever tests the world may thrust at them.
When the ritual cup is gone round the Welcome is complete and the gathered may relax, spending the rest of the day in talk and getting to know each other.
Many will choose to gather firewood and other fuel for a great bonfire at this point, but this is technically the duty of the Steward to provide it so others may not bother. There are no eyebrows raised either way.
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